DHH Resources For Parents and Families
Communication Tips
Communication Tips for working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing People
People who are deaf or hard of hearing use many methods to communicate. Some use lip-reading and speech, while others use sign language. Others may choose to write or use a combination of these methods. Ask the person who is deaf or hard of hearing what you can do to help improve the communication process. Here are some guidelines for effective communication:
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- Face the person.
- Speak clearly and naturally.
- Use visual cues.
- Address one topic at a time.
- Avoid standing in front of bright lights or windows.
- One speaker at a time.
- Reduce background noise.
- Suggested distance 3-6’ apart.
- Repeat or rephrase.
- Use facial expressions and gestures.
- Check for comprehension.
- Use short, simple sentences.
- Provide captioned audio and video
Captioning Resources:
Described and Captioned Media Program
Media Access Group at WGBH -
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Compiled by HDESD DHH Team
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ASL Videos
ASL Videos
DHH Links
National Organizations
- National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
- Oregon Association of the Deaf (OAD)
- National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM)
- AG Bell
- Gallaudet University-Home Page
- Gallaudet University-Free ASL signing videos by topic
- Hands and Voices
Local Organizations
- Deaf Club of Central Oregon (for information email Suzanne dconew@gmail.com)
- ASL Social FIX Central Oregon (Facebook)
Hearing Simulations:
Here are two simulations that give the listener an idea of the impact of different degrees of hearing loss. The volume of the videos is automatically adjusted for the degree of hearing loss.
The Flintstones Hearing Simulator
Cochlear Implant Simulator
This is a simulation of a cochlear implant demonstrating how the quality of sound varies, depending on the number of channels the implant has or uses.
Hearing Simulations:
Here are two simulations that give the listener an idea of the impact of different degrees of hearing loss.
Hear The World (song) Hearing Simulator
Hearing Aid-FM Simulation
An open captioned version of our video simulation of what is sounds like to listen to speech throught a hearing aid, in quiet and in noise, and then through a personal FM system.